Grant money to flow to Bland Shire bushfire victims

The Nationals’ Federal Member for Riverina and Minister for Small Business Michael McCormack has welcomed the news that grant money will soon flow to those primary producers across the Bland Shire affected by the devastating bushfires from late last year.

Disaster assistance was announced on 8 March 2017 by the Federal Minister for Justice Michael Keenan and the New South Wales Minister for Emergency Services Troy Grant.

The assistance is being provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA).

Mr McCormack was pleased that farmers, those on the land and others affected by this devastating natural disaster across the Bland Shire would be offered various types of assistance to help with the short- to-medium term recovery effort.

“Grants are now available to help those affected with their recovery needs,” Mr McCormack said.

“Forms of assistance available include, grants for essential household contents, structural repairs to homes, concessional interest rate loans and freight subsidies.

“Small businesses and not-for-profit organisations can also apply for assistance, with loans of up to $12,000 available to restore assets and essential facilities that may have been damaged or destroyed”

To apply for a recovery grant, individuals, primary producers, small businesses and not-for-profit organisations in the Bland Shire can contact the Disaster Welfare Assistance Line on 1800 018 444 or the NSW Rural Assistance Authority on 1800 678 593 or by visiting: www.raa.nsw.gov.au

Further information on disaster assistance is available at www.disasterassist.gov.au andwww.emergency.nsw.gov.au   

Cristy Houghton